WELCOME TO St. Theresa Point First Nation Waajeeye 1 Dear Teachers, It is a pleasure to introduce you to our community of St. Theresa Point First Nation. We understand that this is a big move for you. We are happy and excited that you will be joining us very soon, to work alongside our most precious resource; our children. Our beautiful community is surrounded by lakes and forests. Throughout the year, many of our community members enjoy boating, fishing, and camping. Skilled boaters and fishermen are always available to take people out for a nice day on the lake. Our connection to the land is the basis of all that is good and healing for our people and our children. St. Theresa Point is accessible by air during the summer and off season months, and can be accessed via winter road during the cold winter months. We have a large population in our community with just over 1,300 students enrolled in school. We are a resilient people and we have dedicated staff and administration St. Theresa Point Nation First who are determined to deliver the highest quality of education to our students. We have a great responsibility to the children of our community. Our children are the keepers and protectors of St. Theresa Point First Nation, and our child- centered education system reflects this. We are a resilient, supportive, and hardworking team. We invite you to journey with us. Our school’s mission is to provide a safe and positive school environment and we are excited that you have chosen to be part of this journey with us. We are committed to developing a strong working relationship with you and are here to support and appreciate you. Anyone who lends themselves to be here and help with our children becomes a part of our community family. Let us take care of you, and if we ever face challenges, we will get through them together. Freddie Wood, Education Director 2 Community St. Theresa Point is a First Nation settlement located in northern Manitoba, in the Island Lake Region. The region includes three other communities; Garden Hill (20 km away), Wasagamack (11 km away), and Red Sucker Lake (91 km away). Our language is the Island Lake Dialect. Our people are called Anisinineewak. 1901 St. Theresa Point, known then as Maria Portage, is established by John Flett and becomes the first permanent settlement on Island Lake 1909 Treaty 5 Adhesion is signed 1918 Influenza epidemic occurs 1925 Roman catholicism is established in St. Theresa Point, and the very first children leave the community for residential schools 1926 Father Dubeau and Brother Dusault leave Norway House for Island Lake to open a mission. Priests and community members require lumber to build a bigger church. As a result, a dam is made at Pickerel Rapids 1927 Lumber production begins and continues for 2 years 1928 One community splits into four: Garden Hill, Rd Sucker, St. Theresa Point & Wasagamack A Brief History A Brief 1945 First Family Allowance 1947 The Grey Nuns arrive 1964 The construction of the Roman Catholic Church is complete in St. Theresa Point 1972 Water pumps are installed on the land 1977 Second new school opens 1979 Liquor Bylaw is implemented, which is still in place, making St. Theresa Point a dry community 1981 Satellite antenna installation allowed access to TV, CBC and a local radio channel 1988 The Northern Store was built is built within the community. It was originally located across the lake, at St. Mary’s Island, where the Airport is located 1999 New High School is completed 2011 Early years School is completed 2012 Hockey arena is lost to fire 2013 Middle Years School is complete 3 2021 St. Theresa Point Roman Catholic Church is lost to fire The Land St. Theresa Point First Nation is located in northern Manitoba, on the southern shore of Island Lake, the sixth largest lake in the province. Our beautiful community is surrounded by lakes and forests. Throughout the year, many of our community members enjoy boating, fishing and camping. Skilled boaters and fishermen are always available to take people out for a nice day on the lake. Our connection to the land is the basis of all that is good and healing for our people and our children. Traditionally, our community is called Mithaynigaming, which means ‘Maria Portage’. Mithaynigaming is still referred to as the original settlement site of St. Theresa Point. According to history, a maria fish was seen crossing the portage in a very shallow creek, and survived, reaching the other side and entering another body of water. This was considered to be an extraordinary event. SASKATCHEWAN MANITOBA ST. THERESA POINT ONTARIO SIOUX LOOKOUT BRANDON WINNIPEG THUNDER BAY 4 St. Point Theresa Community Map St. Theresa Point First Nation Elementary, Middle and High School School Population Welcome! 1,300 Our school offers programming from Nursery through Grade 12. Grades K-12 It is a modern facility with 45 classrooms. The average classroom size is 25 students, with the exception of smaller classes in some of the high school levels. Key People Freddie Wood We recently adapted our Kindergarten program from a half-day to a full-day program. Education Director Cornelius Harper What is the school most proud of... School Admin Support Ian McDougall • Our local certified staff and our ability to live, work and be together with our students High School Principal • Our Anisiniwak identity and strong connection to our ancestral lands Patricia Harper • Our Elders Room, where students, parents, and staff are welcomed for guidance Middle Years Principal Lyle Wood School Mission Early Years Principal The St. Theresa Point First Nation Education Authority directs the school to adhere to the Roy Mason following standards: High School Vice Principal Helen Wood • An emphasis of student learning and effective teaching Middle Years Vice Principal • A high level of expectation for student achievement and personal growth Stephanie Wood • Teacher involvement in decision-making and school operations Early Years Vice Principal • Participation and involvement on the part of students and parents in school life • Effective communication of learning outcomes with parents • Orderly and pleasant learning environment • Meaningful recognition and positive reinforcement School Philosophy Our school has a strong connection to the land. We focus on child-centered education. Our 5 philosophy is to utilize our youth and elders to bring out and revitalize our teachings. Special school events • Annual Fish Fry • Moose Fry • Cultural Days • Annual Cultural Week • Fall & Spring Hunting • Heritage Week • Celebration of Learning Feast Native Language Instruction We believe that the retention of the First Nation language is crucial to the restoration and preservation of the culture, heritage and pride of the St. Theresa community and people. The Education Authority therefore requires that all students be provided with regular instruction in Island Lakes Dialect. Student Services Program Student Services assist and enhance the academic, social and emotional development of all students attending school. We believe that the Student Services Program must accommodate the needs of the St. Theresa Point Students attending school in the community as well as those required to leave the community for educational purposes. Land-based and Traditional Learning Teachers are required to integrate, across-the-curriculum, local and land-based traditional and historical teachings. Extracurricular activities and clubs Volleyball, floor hockey, dance club and the right to play program. 6 A Day in the Life of a Teacher The school day begins at 8:30 AM. Teachers sign in, meet and greet the students. Students enjoy their breakfast with the help of teacher supervision. All classes begin at 9:00 AM. Lunch is at 12:00 PM. Lunch passes can be purchased by staff and students. Dismissal times are staggered to accommodate bus schedules: • Early Years 2:30 PM • Middle Years 3:00 PM • High School 4:00 PM 7 Teacherages The teacherages are nestled right down the hill from the school on a winding road and a cul de sac. Most of the teacherages are about 20 years old, and some are newly developed. New trailers will become available in fall of 2021. The general upkeep of the units is good and we do our best to keep our teacherages well-maintained. All units are furnished. Teachers must bring their own kitchen essentials (dishes, cutlery, pots and pans), and other household items, like bedding and appliances (TV, radio, coffee pot). Pet Policy Staff are not allowed to have pets in their units. Communications Services We have cell service in the community with plenty of provider options available. Most major cellular providers service our community, including Bell, Rogers, and Fido. Visiting teachers will require satellite internet. We recommend setting this up prior to your arrival through Xplornet (and hopefully Starlink very soon!). 8 Community Population 4,500+ School Population 1,300+ People Anisininewuk Quick Facts Language Island Lake Dialect Anisininew Isikeesiwaywin Community Highlights We’ve had some of our membership who: • Have run the Boston Marathon • Are active members Manitoba Paddling Association • Are champion paddlers in our community • Are skilled craftsmen and artisans • Are recording artists Like many northern communities, we are proud to be home to world class athletes in track, paddling, soccer, hockey, volleyball, basketball, and badminton. 9 Life in the Community Clubs & activities Community Events Our school welcomes and invites Gym nites, Radio bingo, Family We have an annual bannock festival, members of the community as key Retreats, Church volunteering, musical family retreats, and outdoor music resource people. The school sets up jam sessions, paintball, paddling, festivals. schedules for in-class and outdoor fishing derbies, hunting, and more. workshops and activities.